There’s a lot happening in San Juan del Sur right now. Even during October, the historically slowest month of the year, tourists are frequenting the town and many businesses that usually close for the end of rainy season didn’t. What’s more, many new businesses are actually opening, among them the ‘Parque de Aventura’, or ‘Adventure Park’ just up the hill from San Juan.
Owner Gustavo, who is Nicaraguan and bought the land years ago, has been dreaming about creating a multi-activity adventure park overlooking San Juan for 17 years, but didn’t break ground until 2 years ago, but now it’s officially open!
The adventure park is unlike anything the town has seen thus far. Yes, it includes a Canopy tour and repelling options, which have been done before, but the real attraction is simply the destination itself. About 3 kilometers outside of town on the way to Rivas, you’ll see the sign for the adventure park. When you arrive, one of Gustavo’s trained team members buckles you into a Polaris (they’re like mini 4×4 vehicles on steroids). You whip up the mountainside through the amazing fauna, foliage and wild animals of the forest only to arrive at a view that is beyond breathtaking. To the West is visible San Juan bay and it’s four Northern neighbors (Nakascola, El Toro, Marsella and Maderas) and to the East you are encountered by a stunning view of Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island, and it’s Volcanoes.
A couple of weeks ago Lauren, myself, and 3x return guest Cathy went for a little test run of the Adventure Park, and we had a blast! Not sure what to expect, we were a bit hesitant at first, and I’ll admit that I myself had a momentary freak out when we got to the repelling portion and I realized there was no turning back. But that’s what an adventure park is all about, right? Feeling stoke, amazement, bliss, fear, adrenaline, and joy, all at once!
After taking in the views, then going on the Canopy and repelling portions of the tour there wasn’t much light left of the afternoon. So we cracked some beers and watched the sun majestically set over the five bays. The chill of the mountain started to settle in as dusk fell, and while we didn’t fit in checking out the Iguana Farm or Kiddy-Playground portion of the grounds, we were blown away by the magic up on that mountain.
At Chica Brava we are excited to add Gustavo’s ‘Parque de Adventura’ on to our list of recommended activities. The Park is complete with a kitchen serving drinks and Panini’s, so whether the Chicas want to go enjoy the view with a cold beer, have an adventure, see wildlife, or simply enjoy a cool afternoon up on the mountain, this majestic little secret is not to be missed!
Thanks for inviting us, Gustavo!
Noelani
Camp Operations Manager
